Alberta man accused of scamming a car dealership

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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As a result of an investigation conducted by the Central Fraud Unit of the Niagara Regional Police Service, a 66-year-old Alberta resident faces numerous charges in relation to a fraudulent vehicle purchase scheme.

In August of 2019, a luxury vehicle worth over $120,000 was purchased from a St. Catharines car dealership through personation and the use of fraudulent identity documents.

The Niagara Regional Police liaised with the Ontario Provincial Police and Waterloo Regional Police who were investigating similar incidents. Through investigation, a suspect was identified and an arrest warrant was issued.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, Hector Caron, 66-years-old, was arrested and charged with the following offences:

Fraud over $5,000

Identity theft

Identity fraud

Possession of identity documents

Possession of property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000

The accused was held pending a bail hearing Sept. 17, 2019, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

Incidents of fraudulently purchased vehicles have been a recurring problem throughout the province. Dealers and lenders are encouraged to be vigilant and conduct thorough background checks to confirm the information provided to them is correct.